Italy, Kingdom. An Order of the Crown of Italy, V Class Knight, Cased, c.1880

(Ordine della Corona d'Italia). Instituted in 1868. Fullsize: multi-piece construction, in 18K Gold with red, white, blue and black enamels, weighing 11.3 grams, unmarked, measuring 37.5 mm (w) x 40.5 mm (h) measuring 37.5 mm (w) x 40.5 mm (h) inclusive of its laterally-pierced ball suspension, intact enamels, original ribbon; and Miniature: four-piece construction, in 18K Gold with red, white, blue and black enamels, weighing 1.5 grams inclusive of its ribbon, the ends of which are sewn together, marked "K18" (Gold) on the edge of the arm at 6 o'clock, measuring 16.2 mm (w) x 16.2 mm (h), intact enamels, original ribbon. Together, extremely fine. Accompanied by its Lapel Ribbon, measuring 22.5 mm (w) x 6.5 mm (h), with button hole attachment, in their hardshelled case of issue, exterior in maroon and exhibiting a pattern of interlocking waves, the lid bearing the two-piece crowned monogram of King Victor Emmanuel III in bronze gilt, inside lid in peach satin, padded and maker marked "OROLOGERIA OREFICERIA / ARNOLDO CHICHERIO / VARESE", base in white felt with recessed medal beds for the badge and miniature, along with a slot to house the lapel ribbon, measuring 103.5 mm (w) X 138.5 mm (h) x 32 mm (d), exhibiting edge wear on the exterior, in addition to soiling present in the white felt in the base, case very fine.

Footnote: The Order of the Crown of Italy was founded as a national order in 1868 by King Vittorio Emanuele III, to commemorate the unification of Italy in 1861. It was awarded in five degrees for civilian and military merit: Knight Grand Cross, Grand Officer, Commander, Officer and Knight. Compared with the older Order of Saint Maurice and Saint Lazarus (1572), the Order of the Crown of Italy was awarded more liberally and could be conferred on non-Catholics as well. Eventually, it became a requirement for a person to have already received the Order of the Crown of Italy in at least the same degree before receiving the Order of Saints Maurice and Lazarus. The order has been suppressed by law since the foundation of the Republic in 1946.